As part of our commitment to help you save time, trouble, and money, we want to provide you with recommendations on receiving shipments and filing claims if you receive a shipment with shortages or damages. Please contact your Unishippers Shipping Consultant if you have questions or need assistance. For information on cargo insurance, click here.

When your shipment is delivered, inspect it with the driver and note any visible losses or damages. Compare the number of shipping units received to the number listed on the delivery receipt. If the condition and quantity of your shipment is acceptable, sign the delivery receipt declaring a "clear delivery".

If a shipment is either short or damaged, accept the delivery and take steps to protect the shipment from further loss and file a claim for the actual shortages or damages. Do not refuse the shipment unless the damage has rendered your freight worthless. It is the duty of the shipper and the consignee to mitigate the loss.

Make sure that you mark on the BOL that there are damages and have it signed by the driver to be submitted with the claim. Be sure to include details such as the quantity of boxes damaged, descriptions of the damage, etc. Again, make sure the driver has dated and signed the BOL before he or she leaves.

If you discover damage after the driver has already left, stop unpacking the shipment and retain all the packaging. Contact the carrier immediately and request that an inspector be sent to review the damage. Refrain from using any of the products from the damaged shipment, and if you must use some of the non-damaged goods, get approval in writing from the carrier’s terminal manager.

Most importantly, completely fill out the claims form. Neglecting to take the time to understand and properly complete claims forms can often lead to rejection of the claim. Call the carrier if you’re not sure how to fill out a form, because it is ultimately up to the customer to prove that the carrier caused the damage. In addition, take pictures, if possible. Having photographic evidence of the damage will go a long way in justifying your claim.

In the case that you need to file a claim, Unishippers can help you through the process. Keep in mind that you need to file your claim as soon as possible and preferably within 24 hours.

For additional assistance, please click here to contact your local Unishippers office or call 1-866-99-USHIP.